"Harnessing a Sturdy and Effective Empathically Attuned Caregiver Mode in the Treatment Room"

Keynote by Wendy T. Behary

~Empathy is not just a therapeutic skill; it is a basic relationship process~*

The data suggests that empathically attunedresonance generates an emotionally robust healing link in the therapy relationship, necessary for change to occur.

Triggered by schemas and modes in the treatment room, therapists can become distracted—preoccupied with vulnerability, emotional safety, or incompetence; held hostage by our own once-upon-a-time early experiences, thus hindering the empathically attuned stance of the adaptive caregiving mode.

Decentering ourselves in the treatment room involves emotionally protecting our vulnerable side without completely muting our realness when activated by implicit and explicit conditions that might overwhelm and distract us from an otherwise sturdy and empathic posture.*(Bohart&Greenberg, et al., 1997)

Why Schema Therapy?

Schema therapy has been extensively researched to effectively treat a wide variety of typically treatment resistant conditions, including Borderline Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Read our summary of the latest research comparing the dramatic results of schema therapy compared to other standard models of psychotherapy.

"Be the Change You Help Create"

Whether you are a clinician, researcher, educator, or a supporter, we have a place for you in our community. Visit our "Join us" page to find out more about the many benefits ISST offers, and to apply for membership now.